Bethesda Game Studios has announced several upcoming projects, including Fallout 5, as parent company Xbox undergoes a period of significant workforce reductions.

Bethesda Game Studios has officially confirmed that Fallout 5 is in preproduction, marking the first mainline entry in the series since Fallout 4. The announcement comes as parent company Xbox initiates a restructuring plan that includes laying off approximately 3,200 employees over the coming year. Bethesda director Todd Howard stated that the studio is investing in its established franchises to ensure long-term support for players.

New Fallout Projects and Remasters

In addition to the confirmation of Fallout 5, Bethesda revealed that a new Fallout title is in development at Obsidian Entertainment, the studio behind 2010’s Fallout: New Vegas. The company is also working on remasters for both Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, though no release dates have been provided for these projects.

Status of Other Franchises

Todd Howard noted that The Elder Scrolls VI remains the studio's primary development focus, with the majority of the team currently working on the project. The game will share the same technology platform as Fallout 5. Additionally, Howard confirmed that Starfield remains an important part of the company's future.

Context of Corporate Restructuring

The announcements follow recent layoffs at Bethesda and other studios under the Xbox umbrella, which was acquired alongside ZeniMax for $7.5 billion in 2021. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has stated the company intends to focus on its most bankable franchises. The reveal coincides with a rally held by ZeniMax employees in Maryland protesting the recent job cuts.